Steph and Dud B

I have photos somewhere, but not handy. We were actually almost to our exit when I saw the high temp. Was able to limp a couple of miles to our destination campground. The trailer was still under warrantee and the manufacturer agreed to pay for a mobile service tech to come out and do the work, so it didn't even impact our vacation much. He came out, pulled the wheel, ordered parts, and came back a couple of days later with everything down to the spindle including bearings, backing plate, and drum. Didn't cost us a dime. I have to give credit to Rockwood/Forest River RV for quickly honoring our warrantee claim and Coach-Net for quickly finding a mobile tech for us. The root cause was a defective spring in the Dexter brake assembly and we weren't the only ones that had that problem around that time (2017).

We have used poly mats like ScottyGS recommended for years. Putting a mat down is one of the first things Steph does as we set up because it helps keep dirt out of the trailer. Aside from RV stores, you can find them at pet suppliers because they are commonly used at dog shows. We also have a storage bag for them that we found at Camping World.

Pretty neat. We have fixed iPad mounts in our ambulances but I like the idea of something removable in my personal vehicle.

So that wedges between the seat and the console?

Are you talking about handheld GPS or dash mount for a vehicle? If you're talking about handheld for hiking, etc. also get a compass and learn how to use it with paper maps. Never bet your life on anything with batteries. In fact, get a compass and maps either way. You can get lost on back roads, too. We've all seen the stories about people who take a wrong turn on a forest road and can't get themselves out. A $25 compass and some practice with it before you head out is good life insurance.

What happens when you're plugged into shore line and it's a sunny day? Does the charger take as much solar as it can, then supplement with shore power? Or does it just go on shore power and ignore the solar?

I heard the same thing from a sales rep.

The cold tire pressure listed on your door sticker should be calibrated to your GVW and rated axle weights, so there's no need to go over that unless your manual says otherwise. On my dually, I actually lower my rear tires slightly below the sticker pressure in the off-season - when I'm not towing or carrying cargo. I put them back up to the sticker pressure in the spring. If I don't do that they wear in the center of the tread from overinflation over the winter.

So, where ARE the 120v and USB outlets located in current models?

Is anybody using a Diamondback cover on your truck? If so, how do you like it? Pros/cons?

We had a catastrophic brake failure on one wheel of our fifth wheel. A spring broke and part of the auto adjust mechanism fell inside the drum, leading to further parts thrashing around inside the drum as we drove. My first indication was unusually high temperature in that tire, reported by my TPMS.

Are you plugged into shore power or your truck's 7-pin connector? With the solar panels disconnected and the main negative battery terminal off you must be getting power from an external source.

Wire gauge looks too small. Some sort of monitor?

Looking at the Lithionics manuals, don't the batteries themselves have built-in on/off switches that can be used for storage?

Good to know. Thanks for the responses. The big day getting closer...

Can you lean a ladder against the awning housing? Is that what you secure the ladder to?

How difficult is it to access the roof penetrations that need sealant maintenance? On our fifth wheel I can simply climb the ladder and walk/crawl around the roof to do this work. I imagine most of the things along the edges are accessible by ground ladder, but what about the Maxxair vent and other things in the middle of the roof?

Auto drain valve? One more thing to break, IMO. I like the KISS principle here. TPMS? We also have the TST system. If you plan to bring it to your delivery, take some time at home to program it for the correct tire pressures before you go down. One less thing to do in Hohenwald.

Same here. I don't think we'd have pulled the trigger on a 2023.

3-way fridges come in tons of different sizes and configurations, including very large ones. I'm wondering if they're going with a compressor fridge. Much more efficient when operating on electricity (12v or 120v) and do a better job coming to temp and holding it. We went to an RV show Monday and saw lots of new units with compressor fridges. I think the 3 way fridges are on their way out and lithium batteries are certainly playing a role in that.

Our 2022 would be $10,900 more as a 2023. 😮

We bought one of these collapsible awning hooks to grab things way under the tonneau cover. Works great for that. Figure it'll work in the basement, too. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-42544-Reach-Awning-Opener/dp/B003ZDERX0

At 23.5' long and only 7' wide, with no slides, the Elite 2 is tiny compared to the majority of RVs out there. So, yes, there will be some sites you won't fit in, but not too many. We previously had a 26' long, 8' wide trailer and were easily able to get good sites in many state and national parks, including the Blue Ridge Parkway,Yellowstone, Arches, Sequoia, and Zion. It's one of the reasons we're downsizing to an Oliver now - so we can do that again. I wouldn't worry about it.

Our GMC 3500 gas (6.0) dually has the 4.10 rear end. The gas engine gets its best torque at higher RPMs than the diesels, which come with 3.73.

This is a great story. Love to hear things like this.